For a lot of people, something as simple as a broken guard on some hair clippers would mean throwing away the whole device and buying a new one. OEM Philips addresses this issue for broken parts on its household products and toys. With “Fixables”, an initiative launched in partnership with 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research and creative agency LePub, the company gives users open access to 3D-printable parts.
“Fixables shows the value of collaboration with the passionate, creative community who love the Philips brand and the power of developing solutions together. By teaming up, we’re shaping a new circular model, helping turn sustainable intention into sustainable action,” said Marcin Molin, head of personal health – Central and Eastern Europe Region. “This is an important first step to making repair and maintenance a real, practical option for more people. It supports our mission to make our product life cycles last even longer.”
Turning product maintenance into a creative, circular solution.
This initiative calls on the creative power of the global maker community. Through Prusa’s network and tools, the project would unlock creative potential at scale.
A digital library of open-access 3D-printable replacement parts for selected Philips products will be made available broadly on the Fixables platform. These parts would be printed via Printables.com, a platform that would allow users to download and print components at home or through certified Fixables partners.
The initial pilot program will launch in Czechia, supported by a global site which is accessible for all, with additional market expansions expected.
“Repair culture is in our DNA,” said Josef Průša, “and collaborating with Philips on Fixables means we’re not just building parts—we’re building a more sustainable future.”
In the consumer goods sector, this initiative follows the ones of brands like IKEA which also offers customers the possibility to 3D print their own accessories. While we will probably never see a 3D printer in every home, consumer brands give users the opportunity to appreciate and further acquaint themselves with the technology through such initiatives.
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